Objectives China's national parks have entered a phase of substantial construction. Establishing a comprehensive trail system, accompanied by supporting services and interpretive education facilities, can provide critical technical support for the realization of the core principles of "ecological conservation as the priority, national representativeness, and public welfare."

Methods Taking the main area of Sunan in Qilian Mountain National Park as a case study, this research integrated its distinctive natural-cultural resources and geospatial characteristics. Nine factors were selected as evaluation criteria, which were divided into three categories: physical geography, social infrastructure, and natural/cultural landscapes. Weights were assigned through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, followed by comprehensive overlay analysis. Cost-path analysis was applied to optimize and visualize the trail route network.

Results The study proposed a trail network structure characterized by "one axis, one loop, three radials, and eight nodes." The hierarchy of trails and landscape types was determined based on landscape quality and land suitability evaluation, along with the construction levels of trail nodes and the configuration characteristics of node facilities.

Conclusions This research offered a novel approach to modeling and visualizing complex evaluation processes, thereby enhancing the practicality and operability of outcomes. The methodology provided a scientific foundation for the selection and planning of trail routes, also offering references for holistic conservation and interpretation in Qilian Mountain National Park.